Express News: “Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the taxi industry while she was crafting what would become the most restrictive policies in Texas for transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft, her campaign finance report shows.

“She accepted at least $6,000 from the Texas Taxi Political Action Committee, several top-level officials from Houston’s vehicles-for-hire industry and others associated with taxis and limos in San Antonio.”

“Viagran and a majority of the council adopted policies that they say protect public safety. Detractors, including some council members, say the regulations stifle innovation and don’t really address public safety.”